Who Has The Edge?

December 5, 2004|Alex Marvez

DOLPHINS RUNNING VS. BILLS RUN DEFENSE

Sammy Morris, who had the best single-game rushing output for the Dolphins this season (91 yards) in a 20-13 loss to Buffalo in October, is expected to miss his second consecutive game because of a rib injury. Replacement TB Travis Minor also isn't healthy as he continues to feel the effects of a sprained ankle suffered in the regular-season opener against Tennessee. The Bills held Seattle's Shaun Alexander to 39 rushing yards in last Sunday's 38-9 blowout of Seattle. Edge: Bills.

DOLPHINS PASSING VS. BILLS PASS DEFENSE

A.J. Feeley finally posted his first victory as the Dolphins' starting quarterback against the 49ers. But Feeley's penchant for turnovers continued with two more, including a botched handoff to Minor that was returned for a San Francisco touchdown. Feeley should feel fortunate he didn't play in the Dolphins' first game against Buffalo when QB Jay Fiedler was sacked five times and had one of his interceptions returned for a touchdown. With 21 receptions in the past three games, Chris Chambers is one of the NFL's hottest receivers. Dolphins C Seth McKinney and Gs Jeno James and Taylor Whitley must do a better job against Bills DTs Pat Williams, Sam Adams and Ron Edwards than in their first meeting. Edge: Bills.

BILLS RUNNING GAME VS.

DOLPHINS RUN DEFENSE

Buffalo is being rewarded for selecting McGahee in the first round of last year's draft despite the fact he didn't play as a rookie because of a serious knee injury. The Dolphins learned the hard way that McGahee is stronger than he was during his playing days at UM when he rushed for 111 yards against them in his first NFL start. Travis Henry, who was beaten out for the starting spot by McGahee, is out with a leg injury. Rookie MLB Derrick Pope will make his first NFL start in place of Zach Thomas (hamstring). The Dolphins have allowed almost the same amount of rushing yards in the past three games combined (314) as the 275 surrendered in a 41-14 loss to the New York Jets in late October. Edge: Bills.

BILLS PASSING VS. DOLPHINS PASS DEFENSE

Coming off his best outing of the season (three sacks) against San Francisco, DE Jason Taylor will have the chance to make amends for a zero-tackle outing in his last game against Buffalo. Taylor has sacked Buffalo's Drew Bledsoe more times (6.5) than any other quarterback. But Buffalo's offensive line has allowed only five sacks in the past five games, which is three less than what the Dolphins posted against the 49ers. Yeremiah Bell is expected to replace Arturo Freeman for some snaps at the free safety position. CB Patrick Surtain has an interception and fumble recovery in the past two games. Edge: Dolphins.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Bills are ranked first in average starting field position on kickoffs as well as kickoff and punt return average. CBs Terrence McGee (kickoffs) and Nate Clements (punts) are legitimate Pro Bowl contenders. The Dolphins are ranked second in punt return coverage and Wes Welker is coming off his best game of the season on punt returns. Ailing Dolphins K Olindo Mare (calf) needs to show more consistency after missing field-goal attempts of 34 and 22 yards in the past two games. Edge: Bills.

INTANGIBLES

McGahee's impact with the Bills can't be underrated. Since McGahee made his first start seven games ago, Buffalo (5-6) has emerged from being winless to having an outside chance at a postseason berth. The Dolphins must find a way to protect Feeley against a Bills defense that relies heavily on zone blitzing. Usually, talk around the Dolphins at this time of season centers upon the franchise's annual December swoon. Since this year's collapse came so early, the Dolphins find themselves in the uncharacteristic role of spoiler with five games to go. Edge: Bills.

COACHING

For two consecutive games, interim coach Jim Bates has shown a talent in being able to jump-start the Dolphins' offense. Last week, Bates and offensive coordinator Chris Foerster successfully shifted to a short-passing game to force the 49ers to curtail their excessive blitzing. But Foerster and the offensive staff have to do a better job calling the plays into Feeley quicker. Bills coach Mike Mularkey's offensive philosophy was criticized by team owner Ralph Wilson after Buffalo's 0-4 start. But Mularkey, a Fort Lauderdale native, is being rewarded for not hitting the panic button. A playoff berth isn't out of the question with four of five remaining games against teams with losing records.